Alerts, tips and other news from your BBB

Previous BBB TORCH Award winner's second act
Paul Birner More than 60 outstanding companies and charities have been nominated for the 2015 TORCH Awards. While it's still months until the awards go out, BBB is sharing the stories of some of these companies and charities with consumers and the community on our blog.

Read how Paul Birner, a previous winner with another firm, is putting his principles to work at Renewal by Andersen.  Other company and charity profiles can be viewed on our blog.

BBB Scam Tracker helps consumers sort out common scams
BBB Scam Tracker BBB has a new Scam Tracker that consumers can use to report suspicious emails, calls or mailers or find out whether others have reported them as scams. The site, http://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us, will help BBB by serving as a central point for reporting scams in North America. Consumers also may enter information on a scam they've received to determine whether it's already been reported.
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Consumers say Terry Marler left them hanging on masonry jobs
Kira Welson, customer of Terry Marler
A customer with a masonry wall that Marler failed to repair.
BBB is advising consumers to be extremely cautious about doing business with Terry Marler or his company, Tuckpointing & Masonry of St. Charles County. Customers tell BBB that he took their money but did substandard or no work.
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Join BBB's campaign to ban dangerous dog bones
dogs Pet owners tell BBB that Dynamic Pet Products' Real Ham Bones have sickened or killed their dogs after the animals ingested bone fragments. BBB has mounted a campaign to get the Missouri producer of the bones to stop selling the bones, but they have declined. We're taking the campaign to the U.S. Senate and other government officials.
BBB tips can help you avoid rental car snafus
late model car Renting a car is essential for many types of trips, from business to vacations. But rental car contracts can be confusing. BBB has some tips to help you avoid getting blamed for damage you did not cause and to help you avoid common pitfalls.
 
Nationwide timeshare scheme takes thousands from consumers
Extensive Travel Solutions website BBB is warning consumers of a nationwide scheme that targets timeshare owners using a variety of names, including:  R & R Venture Group, Cornerstone Processing and Point Rental Liquidators, all of Las Vegas; Excess Property Solutions of Morris, Ill., Travel Services Group of Elmhurst, Ill., and Extensive Travel Solutions of Kingwood, Texas.
storm damage Wind, floodwater, hail and other natural disasters can throw a monkey wrench into your life. When storms strike, some contractors go door-to-door offering to help with emergency repairs. Unfortunately, some storm chasers aren't reliable - and some may even be scammers who take your money and run. Before you hire anyone, BBB has tips to help you find trustworthy contractors who won't rip you off.
Want to give back to your community? Use BBB's charity guide
Giving back to the community by volunteering or donating to a charity is a great American tradition. If you want to check out a charity or find an Accredited Charity to partner with, BBB's Accredited Charity Guide is a great place to start.
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Better Business Bureau
Serving Eastern Missouri & Southern Illinois
211 N. Broadway, Suite 2060, St. Louis, Mo. 63102
314-645-3300